Bruce W. Ford

In this edition:
 - Holiday wishes
 - An audio interview with Bruce about EverythingDulcimer.com's
founding (interviewed by Bing Futch for DPN)
 - Interesting facts about EverythingDulcimer.com
 - National Geographic Traveler
 - Music as Therapy
 - This month's contest - it's a good one!
 - New Article!
 - New tablature!

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It is my sincere wish that the holiday season was joyous, healthy
and music-filled!

2009 is shaping up to just as busy as 2008.  I have way too many
projects planned, but as most of you already know, I seem to
function okay in a perpetual state of near-overload.  If nothing
else, it definitely keeps me out of trouble...no time for trouble.

I've set my playing/composing/performance goals for the year.  This
time around, I'm not focusing on numbers (e.g., numbers of song
written, number of gigs, etc.)  Rather I'm focusing on quality. 
Picking cleaner, improving the quality of performances and so on.  

I'm a firm believer in setting goals.  But setting goals, even good
attainable goals, are only half of what it takes to make them
effective.  The other half is to review them frequently.  This
closes the mental loop and exponentially increases the chance that
we'll actually accomplish our goals.  It's just how humans are wired!

So, I encourage you to set your musical goals, then review them
often, modify them frequently and gently.  Most of all, have fun
while working toward them!

*****************************************
Bing Futch interviewed me for a DPN online audio article yesterday.
 We talked a lot about EverythingDulcimer.com and even a little
about my CD "Gator Clubbin' Society."  In this interview, you might
learn something about EverythingDulcimer.com that you didn't know. 
In addition, Bing's going to be playing three tracks from my CD on
the program.  You can listen to this interview at:

http://dpnews.com/online_articles.html  

or directly at:

http://www.dpnews.com/audio/DPNO_36.mp3

Also, I'll be teaching and performing at the Central Florida
Dulcimer and Autoharp Festival  13 & 14 February in Mt. Dora, FL. 
That last I heard, I'll be performing at the Friday concert...maybe
I'll get some stage time on Saturday as well.  Come on out!  Here
is the details of the festival:

http://www.everythingdulcimer.com/festivals.php#186

For information on having Bruce teach or perform, just reply, or go
to http://www.bruceWford.com for more information.  You can get
your copy of "Gator Clubbin' Society" there too.

***********************************************
2008 was a great year for growth for EverythingDulcimer.com.  Here
are some vital statistics about the site:

Dulcimer-related Links - 484
Dulcimer FAQs - 105
Tabbed Songs - 597
Dulcimer Events - 308
Dulcimer Clubs - 379 
Dulcimer Eye Candy - 131
Number of unique email addresses on the newsletter list:  5,523

*************************************

I received a nice email from Meg Weaver of National Geographic
Traveler.  She sent me a list of questions, fact-checking for a
mountain dulcimer article by Laura Morelli.  I answered them as
best I could.  I don't know Laura, but I wanted to let you know of
this upcoming article or program thanks to National Geographic.  If
any of you see this, please let me know and I'll spread the word. 
I wish I knew when it will appear, but I don't yet have that
information.

************************************

Another announcement:  

Musicians Invited to Share their Passion and Skills
Using the Power of Music as a Healing Modality

If you would like to enrich your offerings as a musician in a new
and meaningful way, check out the Music for Healing and Transition
Program, Inc. (MHTP) at mhtp.org. Program classes will take place
in 12 states across the U.S in 2009. For information on the class
schedules and Area Coordinators for each location, go to
mhtp.org/Calendar

MHTP accepts students of all musical skills, including amateur and
professional musicians who are serious about learning how to
provide live therapeutic music. MHTP graduates are Certified Music
Practitioners® trained in the appropriate use of live music to meet
the needs of those who are critically ill, chronically ill, the
elderly, the dying, premature infants, surgical patients, birthing
mothers, and others by creating a healing environment with live
music in nursing homes, hospitals, hospices, and other healthcare
set tings. 

Classes start throughout the year at the locations listed below: 
 
-         California/February 
-         Colorado/TBD
-         Florida/January
-         Idaho/TBD 
-         Indiana/TBD 
-         Iowa/TBD 
-         Maryland/TBD 
-         Minnesota/March 
-         New Hampshire/April 
-         New York/Summer 
-         Texas/January 
-         Washington/TBD 

********************************************

Contest:

Last month's contest winners were Art Prior, Wanda Duncan and Janan
Cheskis.  They each won a copy of Bruce's CD.  

This month Laser Elegance Engraving is offering a collection of
Mountain Dulcimer accessories.  It's a nice set.  Laser Elegance
has all sorts of things to check out on their website at:
http://www.laserelegance.com/

and to register for the contest, go to:  
http://www.everythingdulcimer.com/contest.php


*********************************************

Articles:

We have a new article.  Ron Kesler made a set of really interesting
dulcimers for his grandchildren.  Go check it out at:
http://www.everythingdulcimer.com/articles.php


*********************************************

New Tablature

    *  Beaumont Rag
    * Bloomfield Leaves
    * Brahms Lullaby (DAA)
    * Come Christians Join To Sing (DAA)
    * Crabwalk
    * Fourths
    * Hark The Herald Angels Sing (DAA)
    * Harvest
    * His Eye Is On The Sparrow (DAA)
    * Joy To The World (DAA)
    * Lord I Lift My Soul To Thee (DAA)
    * O To Be Like Thee (DAA)
    * Silent Night (DAA)
    * The Devil You Say

***********************************************

Archives

These newsletters have been a great source of information.  If you
missed one, here are the archives:
http://www.everythingdulcimer.com/newsletter.php

***********************************************

Thanks so much for your continued support of EverythingDulcimer.com!

Bruce

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I hope this newsletter finds you and your family well!  
It's been an exciting month!  Each November the Ford clan goes to
NE Georgia, first to the North Georgia Foothills Dulcimer
Association's Fall festival, and then to my folk's house for
Thanksgiving.

This year's festival was great as usual.  The concerts were
particularly fun.  This year, a fleeting thought struck me as I
watch a series of fairly youthful, but highly skilled dulcimer
players perform.

"I'd like to have those 20 years back."

Let me explain.  I'm an okay dulcimer player/singer and getting
better every day...heck, I've even got a CD out now.  But I spent 20
years in the Navy and didn't know what a dulcimer was for 17 of
them.   As I watched all that talent, I couldn't help but imagine
what kind of player I'd be if I had those years back...if I had
discovered dulcimers and performing when say...Jeff Hames did.

About as quickly as that thought crossed my mind, I had a fit of
reason.  I realized that if my path had been different, I would not
have the retired military benefits that I have these days, nor the
discipline, drive and all the other qualities that the Navy helped
me out with. I would be a different person!

I then began to appreciate my path that lead me to this place in my
life, with my family, friends and fans.  In fact, I don't think I'd
change a thing. 

Long-story-short, my dulcimer envy gave way to honest Thanksgiving.
 Maybe the grass isn't always greener.  Sometimes it LOOKS that
way, but is it really?

I'm extremely thankful that dulcimers and the dulcimer community
are a part of my life.  

On to the news!  I've got lots of information to pass along to you.
  
-----

A Thank You! - I wanted to pass along my gratitude for the
outpouring of support that you showed "Gator Clubbin' Society", the
CD that I released last month.  The support has been outstanding
and YOU FOLKS SAY THE NICEST THINGS.  I'm thrilled that so many of
you enjoy it.  

Since music is probably the best gift of all, it occurred to me
that some of you might want to give "Gator Clubbin' Society" as a
Christmas gift, so I've placed a "2-CDs for $22" special on
bruceWford.com.  Also, I've added some pictures and videos too. 
You can even find out how I came to give this CD such a title!  

Go to http://www.bruceWford.com

-----

The Christmas List is back!  There is a link to the dulcimer
Christmas list at the top of every page in the site.  The idea is
to have a single place where vendors and performers announce their
wares to (1) give you ideas about what to get and give for
Christmas and (2) give you a link to send to folks who are looking
to buy YOU stuff.   So, when someone asks you to give them some
ideas for Christmas, you can send them to the list.

If last year is any guide, this list will grow almost daily as
vendors add to the list.  So, keep checking back!

Here's the direct link: 
http://www.everythingdulcimer.com/christmas_list_2008.php

Vendors:  Send your ads to me ASAP.  Just hit reply.

-----

Contest

Congratulations to Kathy Gates, Bruce Plumer and Jim Thornton for
winning a copy of my CD "Gator Clubbin' Society."

I'm repeating this contest for next month, so 3 more folks will win
a copy of the CD.  If you win the contest, I'll refund your
purchase and shipping price, plus an additional 10 bucks!  So, if
you've already got the CD, definitely enter the contest.  Last
month there were 569 entries.  Can I get 1000?  Here's the link: 
http://www.everythingdulcimer.com/contest.php

-----

One of Oprah's "America's Most Talented Kids" - Raquel "Rocky" Kuner

Anna, Rocky's mother let me know that Rocky was put on Oprah's
list.  Is good to see a dulcimer player on the list!  Way to go
Rocky!  Keep up the great work.

Here are a couple of videos of Rocky:
http://viewervideo.oprah.com/kickapps/_Peace-Love-and-Happiness-by-R
ocky-Kuner/video/324763/45960.html
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CX2-QnuJ95g  <--this one blew me away!

Tab - Lots of great tunes added!
-	A Bunch of Tyme
-	A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief
-	Abide with Me
-	Auld Lang Syne
-	Away In A Manger - DAA
-	Be Still My Soul
-	Boil Them Cabbage Down
-	Bonaparte's Retreat - Lyrics
-	Bring a Torch & Good Christian
-	Buachaill on Eirne
-	Canon
-	Chopsticks
-	Coventry Carol
-	Darlin' Corey
-	Deep in the Heart of Texas
-	Dulcimer Blues 3.pdf
-	Dulcimer Tab Page
-	God Loves Me Dearly
-	God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
-	God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
-	Ground Hog
-	Holly Bears a Berry
-	Hot Cross Buns
-	Hush Little Baby
-	I Surrender All - DAA
-	Is Your All On The Altar - DAA
-	Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee - DAA
-	Just A Closer Walk With Thee
-	Just As I Am - DAA
-	Kum Ba Ya
-	Little Drummer Boy 2
-	Lully, Lullay (Coventry Carol)
-	O Little Town of Bethlehem
-	O Little Town of Bethlehem (1-3-5)
-	Old Joe Clark 1
-	Only Trust Him - DAA
-	Rock of Ages - DAA
-	Skip to My Lou
-	Take My Life And Let It Be - DAA
-	he Lea Rig
-	o God Be The Glory - DAA
-	Trust And Obey - DAA
-	Volte Renaissance Dance
-	We Rock
-	What A Wonderful Savior - DAA
-	When the Saints Go Marching In

 -----

An Announcement - As much fun as the DPN/EverythingDulcimer.com 
Chattanooga Dulcimer Festival was, due to the massive effort it took
to put it on, it was decided to make this an every-other year 
festival.  So, we will try to make the next CDF in June 2010.  Mark 
your calendars!

-----

Archives:

There are viewable from here:
http://www.everythingdulcimer.com/newsletter.php

-----

Twitter

I've having fun with Twitter lately...a simple idea where you and 
follow me as I update the question:  "What are you doing?"
http://twitter.com/Bruce_Ford

I think that's all the news for this December.  

I wish each of you and yours a wonderful and blessed Christmas
season and Happy New Year!

Bruce

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Note:  You are seeing this newsletter because this address
subscribed, and then confirmed the subscription at some point.  We
love our confirmed subscribers, but if you don't want to read
future newsletters, please use the link at the bottom of this email
to change your subscription settings unsubscribe or change the
recipient address).
Thanks for your help with this!

*************

Red and Blue Staters,

I'm writing this as the election results are coming in.  And, I'm
thinking of sending this out in the morning.  By doing so I realize
that this will be received at a time when a fair percentage of you
will be disappointed.  Also, many of you will be elated!  I'm
walking a fine line here.  So here goes...

For those of you who's candidates won, congratulations.  I've got
some news that I hope will keep your happiness going!

For those who's candidates lost, I've got some news that may 
brighten your day.

Last month, I hinted at a big announcement.  I was unwilling to let
the cat out of the bag at that time.

So, here it is:

In early October, I traveled to Chattanooga, to the studio of Dan
Landrum, and recorded a solo CD.

I was hesitant to tell you all about this previously because you 
never really know how recordings will go.  This was my first (but 
certainly not my last) CD, so I reserved an "out" in case it just 
didn't turn out well enough for me to feel comfortable releasing.  
I have to be honest....I set the bar for myself high because I know 
that if I "stink up the place" with my first CD, my 
EverythingDulcimer.com family would never let me live it down.  

No pressure, right :) 

It just had to be right.

I'm pleased to report that this project turned out way, way better
than I thought it would.  For musicians,  I was flanked by Dan
Landrum and Steve Seifert for studio backup.  Dan produced and
engineered the project and has worked tirelessly to ensure its
quality...what a pro! The project benefited by copious amounts of
synergy.  It was great to work with these outstanding musicians. 
I can't thank them enough for their skills and energy.

I've prepared a website that will give you details about the CD. 
But, here are some interesting facts about the project:

 * Schedules and economics converged to require that we record this
CD in only 5 days.  I think that caused us to focus and ultimately
produce a great product!  We all had our game faces on!
 
* I brought every instrument I own to Chattanooga, but aside from 
bass, whistle and percussion, dulcimers reigned supreme on this CD.  
At the end of the week, my guitar and mandolin had never come out 
of their cases. This wasn't really intentional, it just worked out 
this way.  This CD serves as a testament to the flexibility of 
mountain and hammered dulcimers.  On the mountain dulcimer side of 
things, you'll hear soprano, regular, bass dulcimers as well as a
ban-jammer.  Dulcimers just did everything we wanted to do and gave
us a very full sound.

 * One aim of the project was to have a great deal of variety to the
tracks so it would have something for everyone.  There are four
purely instrumentals and eight vocal tracks for 12 total songs. 
There are four original songs, all written this year.  I recorded 
two well known songs:  "Wonderful World" (popularized by Louis 
Armstrong) and "Leaving on a Jet Plane" (popularized by John Denver 
and one of my wife's favorite songs).  I believe that most of you 
will appreciate the fun mix of songs on this CD.

* The CD title is "Gator Clubbin' Society."  You will probably
recognize that concept from the June 2008 newsletter.  Frankly, the
amount of email I got from you identifying with "clubbing the
alligator closest to the canoe" caused me to write this title 
track.  This song turned out to be great fun to write, play and 
record.  I can't wait for you to hear it!
See http://www.aweber.com/z/article/?everythingdulci for the June
archive.

There are other surprises too, but I'll save them for you to
discover for yourself.

On the website below, you can listen to samples, buy the CD (three
ways to buy), look at some pictures, etc.  I want to make this CD
easy for my EverythingDulcimer.com friends to decide to purchase. 
So, just for you, I've put together a very special offer that will 
only be available for a limited time.  I've lowered the price, and 
will include a very special collection of four Ebooks, each of which
offer a unique historical perspective into musical history.  This
very special book collection could stand on its own as a product
for sale, (I still may market this product in the future) but as a
thank you gift for your patronage of EverythingDulcimer.com, I'm
offering this for FREE with the purchase of this CD.

The reason for only offering this for a limited time is that once I
begin marketing this CD via other methods (in a couple of weeks), I
can't offer this price or book collection.  If you think you'd like
to buy this CD, I encourage you to take advantage of this very 
special offer.  You won't be disappointed.

So, here is the URL to the website, but please, PLEASE read the
details of the special offer (after enjoying the sample tracks):

http://www.bruceWford.com

(Don't forget the "W" in the middle.  Hey, bruceford.com was taken.
And for those that are wondering, the "W" stands for "Wayne."

Currently you can buy the CD for digital download and have it TODAY.
This is a great option if you want to put it on your MP3 player or 
you can burn your own CD.  This saves you a couple of bucks PLUS
shipping.  I've bought a lot of music this way and I personally 
prefer it over other methods!

It will be around the 15th of the month before I can ship CDs (full
color, great looking jewel cases!).  So, I haven't yet activated 
that item on the purchase page.  I will soon,  probably later this 
week, or early next week.  
 
I will send out a _short_ email via this newsletter list when the
CD with jewel case option is live.  Remember, you can download this
CD today!

Okay...onto the site news...

Contest:  Congratulations to Deborah Richardson for winning the
October 2008 contest.  Deborah wins a copy of Bill Collins and Zina
Zanetti's CD entitled "The Sum of the Parts."  There were 715
entries for this contest.

For the November 2008 contest, I'm giving away 3 copies of "Gator
Clubbin' Society" to three separate winners.  Now, I don't want you
to NOT buy this in a couple of days when it's available.  So,
here's what I'll do.  If you win the contest AND you've already 
bought the CD, I'll refund what you paid for a CD including shipping
and an additional $10.

The Christmas List:  Last year, I organized a special page of
Christmas specials offered by vendors all aimed at helping you find 
dulcimer related Christmas presents.  

I want to do this again this year.  So, look for this around 
Thanksgiving.  

VENDORS:  Please send me your Christmas list items via email.  
Please make the subject line say "Christmas List" so I can try to 
stay organized.

Tab...what a great month for tablature!
    * Away In A Manger - DAA
    * Boil Them Cabbage Down
    * Bonaparte's Retreat - Lyrics
    * Canon
    * Chopsticks
    * Darlin' Corey
    * Deep in the Heart of Texas
    * Dulcimer Blues 3.pdf
    * Dulcimer Tab Page
    * God Loves Me Dearly
    * God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
    * Ground Hog
    * Hot Cross Buns
    * Hush Little Baby
    * I Surrender All - DAA
    * Is Your All On The Altar - DAA
    * Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee - DAA
    * Just As I Am - DAA
    * Kum Ba Ya
    * Little Drummer Boy 2
    * O Little Town of Bethlehem
    * O Little Town of Bethlehem (1-3-5)
    * Old Joe Clark 1
    * Only Trust Him - DAA
    * Rock of Ages - DAA
    * Skip to My Lou
    * Take My Life And Let It Be - DAA
    * The Lea Rig
    * To God Be The Glory - DAA
    * Trust And Obey - DAA
    * We Rock
    * What A Wonderful Savior - DAA
    * When the Saints Go Marching In

Archives:

Archives of the newsletters can be accessed by going here:
http://www.everythingdulcimer.com/newsletter.php
If you missed something, you can find it here.

Folks, thanks so much for your continued support of
EverythingDulcimer.com!

Bruce

ED Afficionados!

This is going to be short and sweet this month.  
At the risk of confusing our newly signed-up newsletter subscribers
I'll just say...
The gators are closing in from every direction!
Have you ever been in a situation where you want to spill some
potentially very cool news, but you want to be really sure before
you do?

That's where I am.  I think I've going to have some very big news
next month.  But, I'm going to wait to give the details.  Sorry
about that. I just want to be sure!  Anyway, this potentially big
news is keeping me very busy.

On with the news!
Contest:  Congratulations to Jan Fenelon for winning the September
2008 contest. Jan won Playing the Mountain Dulcimer Made Easy
Volumes I and II by Jeff Lambert of Jenny Wiley Dulcimers.  Check
out Jeff's site at http://www.jennywileydulcimers.com/
For this month Bill Collins and Nina Zanetti have donated a copy of
their new CD entitled "The Sum of the Parts".  Register here:
http://www.everythingdulcimer.com/contest.php

Folks, whenever you can, please support the folks that support you
by listing here on EverythingDulcimer.com.  Don't forget the
contest donors!

Tablature

Here is the new tablature for the month.  Thanks to our
contributors!  We COULD NOT do it without you!

- Arkansas_Traveler.pdf
- God Be With You Til We Meet Again - DAA
- I Have Decided To Follow Jesus - DAA
- I Love To Tell The Story - DAA
- Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
- O The Deep Deep Love Of Jesus - DAA
- Uncle Joe

Articles:
This month, we have an article for you mountain dulcimer players. 
Tim Smith has written a basic primer for amplifying a mountain
dulcimer for small venues.  Go here to read this:
http://www.everythingdulcimer.com/articles/amplfying_dulcimer_small_spaces.pdf
 or check out the articles page at:
http://www.everythingdulcimer.com/articles.php

Archives

Archives of the newsletters can be accessed by going here:
http://www.everythingdulcimer.com/newsletter.php
If you missed something, you can find it here.

I told you...short and sweet!

Thanks for supporting EverythingDulcimer.com!  
Bruce

"And the Hits Just Keep On Coming!"

No, this isn't just something a disc jockey would say, it's the
Florida/Gulf Coast motto these days.  The tropics have caught fire
this year and it's shaping up to be quite an active hurricane
season for the Atlantic.  Those of us that live in these areas have
ducked or ridden out a couple storms with more on the way.  What's
more is that the statistical peak of hurricane season is September
10th (it's not here yet!).  More fun!

Don't get me wrong.  I'm not complaining.  In fact, I'm a
meteorologist and I KNOW the tropics are going to keep serving up
these volleys year-after-year.  My wife and I still love it here. 

I figure there's probably a threat of natural disaster just about
anywhere (quakes, tornados, floods, etc), so this is a good a spot
as any.  The trick is to grow where you are planted.  There is no
perfect place to live.

The same works for learning to play the hammered or mountain
dulcimer...or any other instrument for that matter.  I'll wager that
there is no perfect dulcimer spot in the world.  Some places have
more resources available to novice players than others.  Some areas
have clubs and other don't.  Some places have too few or too many
teachers.  Every place is different.  Regardless of the situation,
I think anyone can accomplish their dulcimer playing goals.  Let's
face it, what it really takes to get where you want to be musically
is DESIRE.  Nowadays, there are books, DVDs, even remote video
teleconference lessons!  With all this availability we hardly have
an excuse left.  Well, except for one...time.  

I'm a busy guy, but I have to tell you that I rarely miss a meal. 
I take time to eat, because I like to eat!  Especially cookies.  It
almost doesn't matter what level of "busyness" I'm at, the offer of
a cookie will stop me in my tracks!  My point is we make time for
our priorities.  If achieving dulcimer goals is a deep seeded
priority we WILL make time, right.  

So don't let anything (even natural disasters) stand between you
and your musical goals!

...on to the news...

The September 2008 Contest:

This month's contest prize is a pair of books entitled "Playing the
Mountain Dulcimer Made Easy Volumes I and II" and is brought to you
by Jenny Wiley Dulcimers and Jeffrey A. Lambert.  Here's the link
to register:  
http://www.everythingdulcimer.com/contest.php

Also, congratulations to Mike Weisberg for winning the August 2008
contest. Mike won A Complete Set of Learning CDs from Steve Smith
and the Western North Carolina Dulcimer Collective. There were 989
entries for this prize!

Tablature:

I uploaded 5 new tunes today.  Lots more are showing up as uploaded
in the last 30 days.  Currently we have 532 tunes.  So, if you have
anything to do with a club, this is the place to go for expanding
your club tab book.  

A Special Thanks:

I got a real nice email from Larry Harrison.  He sent me a list of
dead links from the links area.  I really appreciate this.  I don't
make time to check links and his list let me clean up a little.  If
you come across a deal link, please let me know at

  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 .

Some Site Statistics:

Links - 471 (It's a major goal of EverythingDulcimer.com to be a
conduit to additional dulcimer information.  This links area is a
big contributor to that goal.)

FAQs - 99

Tabbed Songs - 532

Events - 282 - Not all of these are current.  It's just what's in
the database.

Clubs - 373 - If your club is not listed, please place it here.  If
you know of a defunct club that is here, please let me know that as
well.  

Archives:

Archives of the newsletters can be accessed by going here:
http://www.everythingdulcimer.com/newsletter.php
If you missed something, you can find it here.

That's the news I have for this month.  Thanks for supporting
EverythingDulcimer.com!  For those in the tropical shooting
gallery, stay safe!

Bruce